I don't like plastic either but maybe that's how the big block goes 180 + MPH? Even with plastic in places I prefer metal, the reason my wife likes this car ironically is weight. She closed the door on her 6 banger rental and it closed with a thud and she knows the cars weigh over 4K. One of her favorite cars we've owned was a Chevy Vega wagon, body by Fischer. It also had the sturdy feel she likes.